Kinross hotel booked out for COP26 delegation

The Kinross-shire economy has had a boost from the international COP26 climate conference starting in Glasgow on Sunday as a major hotel is booked out to put up delegates.

US President Joe Biden, the Queen and Barack Obama are just some of the names expected to attend the conference, which will take place from October 31 to November 12.

It’s not been revealed who exactly has taken out an ‘exclusive use’ agreement with The Green Hotel in Kinross, but various events have been cancelled as the 18th-century coaching inn and two-course golf complex will be off-limits for 10 days.

The family-owned property has restaurants, bars and is close to the M90 motorway.

The search for accommodation has meant that despite being 45 miles and one hour travel time from central Glasgow, The Green Hotel has been snapped up to provide beds for COP26 attendees.

The PA can reveal two gigs using Backstage Bar, a concert hall at The Green Hotel, as a venue were cancelled at short notice.

There's a 45 mile distance to travel to the conference but even so, the hotel is full with an 'exclusive-use' booking during COP26 (Perthshire Advertiser)

Mundell Music had to call off The Petty Heartbreakers due to perform this Saturday, October 30 and Cork band Crow Black Chicken, scheduled for Wednesday, November 3 - despite the gigs achieving high advance ticket sales.

Tribute band the Petty Heartbreakers had to call off their gig in Kinross (Submitted by Mundell Music)

Promoter David Mundell told any disappointed fans on social media: “You can expect gigs from both bands in the spring. It was frustrating as both gigs had sold exceptionally well.”

The Glenfarg Folk Club has used The Green Hotel as a base for several years for its Monday music nights, but last night’s (Monday, October 25) appearance by the folk trio The Mile Roses had to shift to a new venue, the Thistle Hotel in Milnathort.

While management at The Green Hotel did not respond to the PA’s enquiries over which country’s delegates would be staying, it is understood that the booking that has gazumped long-standing arrangements is in connection to the COP26 conference.

The car park was full of mobile accommodation for those who could not stay in the main building (Perthshire Advertiser)

When the PA took a look yesterday, The Green Hotel annex car park was filled with identical rented motor homes, presumably to accommodate the excess conference guests who could not be put up inside.